Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art vs Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD
The bottom line
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art is 105mm, the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD is 17-50mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art for zoom, the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD for standard.
Choose the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art if…
- ✓You want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation.
- ✓You need more reach — it goes to 105mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport.
- ✓You shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't.
- ✓You prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 105mm prime over a zoom.
Choose the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD if…
- ✓You shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 105mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture.
- ✓You want one-lens flexibility — a 17-50mm zoom covers what the fixed 105mm can't reframe.
- ✓You value portability — at 460g (1.01 lb) it's lighter than the 715g (1.58 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
Where they differ
- ›Aperture: the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art opens to f/2.8 vs the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
- ›Focal range: Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art is 105mm, Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD is 17-50mm — different framing and reach.
- ›Type: the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD is a zoom (flexible framing), the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art a prime (one focal length, usually brighter and lighter).
- ›Close-up: the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art reaches 1x magnification vs 0.24x — more for close-up and macro work.
- ›Weight: the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD is 460g (1.01 lb) vs 715g (1.58 lb) — you'll feel the difference handheld.
Frequently asked
Is the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art or the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD better?
These cover different focal lengths — the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art is 105mm, the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD is 17-50mm — so they're not really substitutes. Pick by the field of view you actually need: the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art for zoom, the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD for standard.
Who should choose the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art?
Choose the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art if you want more light and background blur — f/2.8 is faster than f/4, better for low light and subject separation. Choose it if you need more reach — it goes to 105mm vs 50mm for distant subjects, wildlife and sport. Choose it if you shoot close-ups — 1x magnification gets you true macro the other can't. Choose it if you prefer a fast, compact single focal length — a 105mm prime over a zoom.
Who should choose the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD?
Choose the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD if you shoot wide — it starts at 17mm vs 105mm for landscapes, interiors and architecture. Choose it if you want one-lens flexibility — a 17-50mm zoom covers what the fixed 105mm can't reframe. Choose it if you value portability — at 460g (1.01 lb) it's lighter than the 715g (1.58 lb) alternative for travel and all-day carry.
What is the main difference between the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art and the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD?
Aperture: the Sigma 105mm F2.8 DG DN Macro Art opens to f/2.8 vs the Tamron 17-50mm f/4 Di III VXD's f/4 — more light and shallower depth-of-field.
| Product | ||
|---|---|---|
| Optical Design | ||
| Focal Length | 105mm | 17-50mm |
| Lens Type | Prime | Zoom |
| Optical Elements | 17 | 15 |
| Optical Groups | 13 | 11 |
| Aperture & Iris | ||
| Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 | f/4 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 | f/22 |
| Aperture Blades | 9 | 9 |
| Rounded Aperture | Yes | Yes |
| Coverage & Angle | ||
| Format Coverage | Full-Frame | Full-Frame |
| Lens Mount | Sony E | Sony E |
| Angle of View | 23° | 104° – 47° |
| 35mm Equivalent | − | − |
| Focus | ||
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Focus Motor | HLA | VXD |
| Focus Limiter | Yes | No |
| AF/MF Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Min Focus Distance | 30 cm | 19 cm |
| Max Magnification | 1x | 0.24x |
| Stabilization & Video | ||
| Optical Stabilization | No | No |
| Aperture Ring | No | No |
| Declickable Aperture | No | No |
| Parfocal | No | No |
| Internal Zoom | No | No |
| General | ||
| Price (MSRP) | $799 | $799 |
| Filter Size | 62mm | 67mm |
| Diameter | 82.8mm | 75mm |
| Length | 142.3mm | 86.2mm |
| Weight | 715g (1.58 lb) | 460g (1.01 lb) |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Yes |
| Tripod Collar | No | No |
